🇮🇳 National News
The Union Cabinet has approved the conduct of the Census of India 2027, with a total financial outlay of ₹11,718 crore.
- Mobile application for data collection
- Central Census Monitoring and Management System (CMMS)
- HLB Creator Web Map Application
- Self-enumeration facility for citizens
- Caste-based data collection included
Nearly 30 lakh enumerators and supervisors will be deployed. The exercise will generate around 10.2 million man-days of employment.
The Union Cabinet has approved CoalSETU, a new policy mechanism under the NRS Linkage Policy.
- Dedicated auction-based window for domestic coal
- Available for any industrial use + up to 50% export
- Removes earlier end-use restrictions
- Long-term auctions open to all industrial consumers
- Excludes coal traders and coking coal
Key objectives: Reducing coal imports, expanding coal access to industries, and supporting commercial coal mining reforms.
The Union Cabinet has approved the Atomic Energy Bill, introducing amendments to the Atomic Energy Act, 1962 and CLND Act, 2010.
- Allows private sector participation in civil nuclear power
- Target: 100 GW nuclear power capacity by 2047
- Enables deployment of Small Modular Reactors (SMRs)
- Private companies can operate nuclear plants under licensing
This marks a significant shift from India’s traditionally state-controlled nuclear framework, addressing liability concerns to attract foreign suppliers.
The Union Cabinet has approved key changes to MGNREGS under the National Rural Employment Guarantee Act, 2005.
- Renamed to “Poojya Bapu Grameen Rozgar Yojana”
- Guaranteed workdays increased from 100 to 125 days
The reform aims to strengthen rural livelihoods, provide greater income security, increase rural purchasing power, and enhance the social safety net for economically vulnerable households.
Chhattisgarh has achieved a significant environmental milestone with the declaration of the Kopra Reservoir as its first Ramsar Site.
- Located in Bilaspur district
- Announced on 12 December 2025
- Recognised as Wetland of International Importance
- Rain-fed freshwater ecosystem
- Habitat for migratory birds and aquatic plants
The reservoir supports drinking water supply, irrigation needs, and livelihoods of nearby villages.
💼 Business & Economy
The Union Cabinet has approved the Insurance Amendment Bill, 2025, proposing to increase the FDI limit in insurance companies from 74% to 100%.
- Amends: Insurance Act, 1938, LIC Act, 1956, IRDAI Act, 1999
- Introduction of composite licences
- Relaxation of capital requirements
- Improved regulatory efficiency
Expected to be introduced in the Winter Session of Parliament. The reform will boost insurance penetration, promote digital innovation, and modernise India’s financial ecosystem.
Brookfield Asset Management has announced an investment of $1 billion to build Asia’s largest Global Capability Centre (GCC).
- Location: Powai, Mumbai
- Spread over 6 acres, 2 million sq ft built-up space
- Leased to a multinational bank for 20 years
- Expected to generate over 30,000 jobs by 2029
Supports Maharashtra’s GCC Policy (400 new GCCs, 400,000 high-skilled jobs). Focus areas: BFSI, data science, cloud engineering, and emerging technologies.
The Department of Posts and the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) have signed a three-year MoU (2025–2028) to distribute mutual fund products through India Post’s national network.
- Training through NISM Mutual Fund Distributor Certification
- Staff assigned Employee Unique Identification Numbers (EUINs)
- Using BSE StAR MF platform
- Focus: Rural and semi-urban regions
The initiative promotes financial inclusion, informed investment decisions, and stronger last-mile financial services.
👔 Appointments
Meta India has appointed Aman Jain as its new Head of Public Policy.
- Over 20 years of experience in government and global tech companies
- Will lead policy strategy and manage regulatory engagement
- Focus areas: Digital safety, data governance, AI regulation
The appointment comes at a time when India’s digital ecosystem is expanding rapidly.
📅 Important Days
The United Nations, through Resolution A/RES/80/106, has declared 14 December as the International Day Against Colonialism in All Its Forms and Manifestations.
- Reaffirms commitment to decolonization, sovereignty, and self-determination
- Builds upon UN GA Resolution 1514 (XV) of 1960
- 65th anniversary of Resolution 1514 (XV)
A high-level plenary meeting of the UN General Assembly will be held on 18 December 2025 to mark this milestone and promote dialogue on global justice and unfinished decolonization efforts.
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